As House Republicans work to meet the $5.8 trillion budget framework laid out by President Donald Trump, attention has turned to Medicaid, the costly federal healthcare program that now consumes nearly $900 billion annually. With the Energy and Commerce Committee required to find $880 billion in spending cuts over the next decade, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that $581 billion will need to come from Medicaid alone.
Chicago has already maxed out its entire 2025 police misconduct lawsuit budget just four months into the year, with $82 million already spent—and the city still faces hundreds of pending legal claims. The financial strain is adding pressure to an already fragile city budget facing a projected $982 million deficit.
Republican lawmakers are preparing legislation to permanently defund Planned Parenthood by using budget reconciliation, a strategy that allows a simple Senate majority to bypass the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), alongside other pro-life leaders, is leading the charge following the organization's disclosure of nearly $700 million in taxpayer funds received last year.
In February, the U.S. federal budget deficit reached $307 billion, marking a 4% increase from the same month in the previous year, according to the Treasury Department.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to shift $50 billion from "woke programs" and use the funds to support President Donald Trump's priorities.
Pennsylvania lawmakers have begun reviewing Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.5 billion state budget, sparking debate over spending increases, revenue projections, and long-term fiscal sustainability. The budget hearings, which began Tuesday at the state Capitol, come as the state faces a projected structural deficit and uncertainty over new revenue sources.
Representative Val Hoyle (D-OR) stated on Monday during an appearance on CNN’s “News Central” that Democratic lawmakers will not vote to fund the government if Republicans push President Donald Trump’s agenda, which she claims “undermines the American people.”
